National Express West Midlands is investing 150 million GBP in purchasing 300 electric buses that are to be delivered by the end of December 2024.
The new vehicles will be built in Britain and deployed across the West Midlands.
The investment will build upon initial government funding that saw National Express deploy 50 electric buses in Coventry last year.
With this latest announcement, National Express has now further advanced its commitment to operating a zero-exhaust-emission bus fleet in the UK by 2030.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said:Local people will now be able to benefit from these wonderful buses here in the Midlands - offering them a quieter, smoother and more comfortable journey.
As we seek to tackle the climate emergency and maintain our #WM2041 net zero commitment, these British made buses are exactly what we need - saving energy, improving air quality and cutting fuel costs for operators. I cannot wait to see even more electric buses arriving in our region in the months and years ahead.
Additional investment will also be made in infrastructure for charging and maintaining the new vehicles.
They will be powered by 100% renewable and zero-carbon electricity.
Tom Stables, CEO National Express UK & Germany, said:This huge green investment shows we are now at the tipping point of electric buses. The initial Government support has got the industry going and we are proud to be a major contributor to the green economy in the West Midlands.
Replacing our diesel buses with electric means we are on track to meet net zero in a way that is good for business and good for communities. These clean, green UK double decker buses are popular with customers and as a result are not only more economical to run but they will boost passenger growth and revenue by getting more people to ditch their cars for the bus; and of course they do their bit to help tackle the climate & clean air emergency.
